He added that he had talked to British government ministers about the Hungarian community in the UK, and everyone he spoke to said it was without question that Hungarians contributed towards the country’s development. In connection with the situation in Syria, the minister said that a political solution rather than a military one was needed, but this was becoming “ever more remote”.

The EU has a limited role to play, and an agreement is needed between the United States and Russia. In a separate interview to public radio, Szijjártó said that the EU had made a mistake in respect of Turkey by allowing the impression to grow in the country that there was a direct link between sticking to the deal on keeping back migrants and visa-free travel to the EU for Turks.

Now the EU is on a “forced track” to fulfilling its side of the visa bargain. At least, however, there is less migration pressure thanks to the sealing of the western Balkan route, he said, adding that the issue of Syria would influence future developments and could upset the current fragile situation.

Republished with permission of Hungary Matters, MTI’s daily newsletter.

MTI photo: KKM